* Minister says flats to be constructed on PR land at a cost of Rs 28 billion

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Housing Sardar Talib Nakai on Sunday said the task force on proposed construction of around 5,000 flats in federal capital is working out all formalities and would present its recommendations on the project soon.

“We know the government employees in federal capital are facing accommodation problem but this project is feasible and planned with the sole objective to facilitate them in an effective manner,” he told a group of journalists at a reception hosted by Minister of State for Housing Malik Noman Ahmad Langrial.

The minister said the task force, comprising representatives of housing, railways and finance departments, would discuss all aspects required to execute the project proposed to be constructed in Sector I-11 on Pakistan Railways (PR) land spread over 50 acres. He said the total cost of the project is estimated at Rs 28 billion.

He said the ministry would also work out a criterion for allotment of flats, ensure their construction according to international standards while keeping in mind affordability.

The minister said Housing Ministry is fully dedicated and sincere in its efforts to ensure housing facilities for government employees. “In this regard, we are thankful to Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf who formed a task force and commended the project,” he said, adding that the Pakistan Railways would be given due compensation for the land on which the flats are to be constructed.

Replying to a question regarding delay in completion of different projects, he said the ministry was facing litigation and most of its projects were not being executed due to stay orders from courts.

“We know there is a shortage of housing units and in some cases government houses were also illegally occupied but our hands are tied as the cases are in courts,” he said, adding that nearly 28,000 housing units were available for government servants against a total demand of 50,000.

He said marketing and engineering wings are also being strengthened while lawyers' wings would be established to deal with legal aspect of different projects.

The ministry was following General Waiting List (GWL) to grant new allotments as per direction of the court, he added.

When asked to comment on completion of present democratic government's tenure, Nakai said this is a good sign, which is important for country's development.

He also appreciated appointment of chief election commissioner (CEC) with consensus, saying it would definitely help in conducting free and fair elections.